River erosion has begun on both banks of the Louhajang River in Mirzapur upazila of Tangail. Schools, markets, roads, bridges, and agricultural lands are being swallowed by the river, putting numerous families in distress.
Signs of erosion were observed at several points along the river on Friday. The historic Borati Nordana Bangladesh High School (BNB High School), is also at risk of being devoured by the river.
Mohammad Azaharul Islam, Chairman of Bhatgram union, and DE Matin, Chairman of Jamurki union, confirmed that this year the Louhajang River, a branch of Dhaleshwari and Jamuna Rivers, has seen extensive erosion along its banks. The historic BNB High School is particularly endangered, with parts of its northern area, including several concrete buildings, land, and trees, already lost to the river. If this erosion continues unabated, the entire school may soon disappear.
The school’s headmaster, Mohammad Julhas Uddin, and managing committee member, Mohammad Abu Said Mia, expressed their concerns about the safety of the students. They urgently appealed to the Water Development Board, relevant authorities, and the government for swift action, including the construction of protective guide walls with blocks on the northern side of the school.
The erosion has also affected several other areas and institutions, including Majalia Market, Borati High School, Borati Hat and Market, Borati Hat Government Primary School, Guntia, Chukuria, Bagjan Primary School, Ufulki, Deohata, Court Bahuria, Bahuria, Kamarpara, and Nagarpara. Numerous families in these areas have been left desperate. Infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, roads, and agricultural lands has also suffered significant damage.
Several key bridges, including the Guntia Bridge, Babu Dukhiram Rajbangshi Bridge in Borati, Pustakamuri Bridge, Paharpur Bridge, Bir Muktijoddha Nurul Islam Nuru Bridge, and Warshi Bridge, are reportedly under threat.
Mohammad Monirul Saj Rajan, Upazila Engineer (LGED, said this year's floods have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and other structures along the Louhajang River due to erosion. Affected areas have been inspected, and damage lists have been collected through local union chairmen. A project proposal has been prepared and sent to the ministry for funding. Once approved, immediate action will be taken.
Mohammad Sirajul Islam, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, said various erosion-affected areas along the Louhajang River have been inspected. Work, including the construction of guide walls with blocks near the Kumudini Hospital ghat and river dredging, is ongoing. Proposals have been prepared for the affected areas and submitted to the ministry for financial allocation. Once funds are approved, work will begin.
